New dog welfare organisation forms

Pedigree dogs are 'suffering from genetic diseases', according to the BBC, which may now dock Crufts coverage

published 2 December 2010

A new organisation, set up in response to three major reports on dog welfare and breeding, including that in January by Prof Patrick Bateson (Country Life, January 20 and May 19), will meet for the first time on December 8.

The Advisory Council on the Welfare Issues of Dog Breeding has been set up to provide independent advice and guidance and has the support of leading organisations such as the Dogs Trust and the RSPCA. It will look at issues ranging from welfare on puppy farms to genetic predisposition to poor conformation and disease caused by in-breeding, and will be chaired by Prof Sheila Crispin, a past president of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Council members include specialists in animal behaviour and welfare, and canine genetics. Find out more about the council.

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